Age / Sex : 37 / F

Butterfly Vertebrae

Discussion

Findings:

Butterfly vertebrae have a sagittal cleft through the body of the vertebrae and a funnel shape at the ends. This gives the appearance of a butterfly on an x-ray.

Differential Diagnosis: None

Diagnosis:  Butterfly Vertebrae

Discussion:

[Definition]

a type of vertebral anomaly (rare) that results from the failure of fusion of the lateral halves of the vertebral body because of persistent notochordal tissue (which usually only remains as the center of the intervertebral disc) between them.

There are usually no symptoms, but can be symptomatic (low back pain)

[Radiographic features]

There is widening of the affected vertebral body. The bodies above and below the butterfly vertebra adapt to the altered intervertebral discs on either side by showing concavities along the adjacent endplates.

Some bone bridging may occur across the defect which usually happens in the thoracic or lumbar segments of the spine.

[Associations]

1. an anterior spina bifida, with or without an anterior meningocele


2. can be part of the Alagille syndrome


3. Jarcho-Levin syndrome 

References:

1. Kumar R, Guinto FC, Madewell JE et-al. The vertebral body: radiographic configurations in various congenital and acquired disorders. Radiographics. 1988;8 (3): 455-85.